Mad Queen Leaves the Palace

Because of the farce that happened between Ye Yuandong and Xiao Lan that morning, everyone was filled with mixed feelings and harbored their own secrets. Even the usually lively scene during breaks was gone. The students were all silent, as if shrouded in an invisible pressure. No one was in the mood to chat or ask questions.

Unexpectedly, Yan Mobei, who was always a loner, for some unknown reason, went and sat down in front of Xiao Lan, becoming Wu Yuyu's deskmate. This behavior was extremely unusual, considering he rarely interacted with others before. Not only that, but even more surprisingly, Yan Mobei greeted Xiao Lan and Yan Nanhui. This usually aloof and taciturn person suddenly becoming so warm and friendly left the surrounding classmates completely bewildered.

Xiao Lan and Yan Nanhui exchanged a glance. Xiao Lan gently shook her head, indicating her refusal, while Yan Nanhui nodded slightly, indicating his agreement. Then, as if on cue, they each turned their heads back to the books in their hands. Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was almost noon.

Just then, Yan Jingtian suddenly spoke to Xiao Lan, saying, "Xiao Xueyou, I noticed that your younger sister just arrived at the academy today. In my opinion, why don't we go to the dining hall for a meal together? This way, we can all take this opportunity to get to know each other and become familiar with one another. Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?" He smiled, spoke sincerely, and his eyes revealed friendliness and expectation.

Xiao Lan turned slightly to the side, her watery eyes gently shifting, her gaze landing on Yan Nan Hui not far away. Yan Nan Hui's deep, bright eyes were fixed on her, seemingly able to pierce through the unease and turmoil deep within her heart. He nodded slightly, casting a gentle and reassuring look at Xiao Lan.

Receiving that reassuring gaze, Xiao Lan slowly turned around to face Yan Jingtian again. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice calm, and said, "Your Highness, I am truly sorry. I had already made an appointment with the Fifth Prince, so I am afraid I cannot accept your invitation this time. However, I hope Your Highness can understand, and if there is an opportunity another day, we will certainly meet again." After speaking, Xiao Lan curtsied again to express her apology.

Upon hearing Xiao Lan's unwavering refusal, Yan Jingtian showed no anger whatsoever. Instead, a gentle smile, like a spring breeze, curved his lips as he softly said, "Very well! To be honest, it's been quite a while since my fifth brother and I have dined together. Since we're fortunate to be here today, why don't we all go together? Besides, my seventh brother and Yu Xuan are also here. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have everyone gathered together in such a lively atmosphere?" He then looked at Xiao Lan with expectant eyes, as if awaiting her response.

Xiao Lan nodded slightly, a faint smile on her beautiful face, as captivating as spring flowers in bloom. Then, she turned her gaze to Yan Jingtian standing beside her and said softly, "I am honored that Your Highness does not find me unworthy. Let us travel together then." As she spoke, her voice was clear and melodious, as sweet as a nightingale's song, instantly winning one's favor.

Just then, Yan Mobei swiftly approached like a nimble cheetah, his face full of anticipation. "Second Brother, you must take me with you!" As soon as he finished speaking, he eagerly stood next to Wu Yuyu, as if afraid that someone would push him aside.

Seeing this, Yan Jingtian first turned to look at Xiao Lan, who nodded slightly in agreement. Then, Yan Jingtian smiled and said, "In that case, let's set off together!" With these words, the atmosphere among the group instantly became lively, filled with anticipation and excitement for the journey ahead.

Meanwhile, Yan Linfeng was about to step forward when he suddenly felt a tightness in his sleeve. He looked down and saw Ye Lanyi gripping his sleeve tightly, saying softly, "Cousin, I think Cousin Yuandong seems to be in a bad mood. Why don't we have lunch together and comfort him? Otherwise, Uncle will probably be very worried." Yan Linfeng followed her gaze and saw Ye Yuandong standing to the side, looking dejected and listless, like a wilted eggplant.

Thinking that he would still need his uncle's substantial financial support for many things in the future, Yan Linfeng nodded slightly after a moment's thought, indicating his agreement. However, although he verbally agreed to Ye Lanyi's suggestion, he naturally moved a few steps to the side, creating a slight distance between himself and Ye Lanyi.

Ye Lanyi keenly noticed Yan Linfeng's subtle change in movement, and a sense of loss and displeasure welled up in her heart. However, due to the other party's status and their relationship, she dared not speak out despite her grievances, and could only silently suppress her dissatisfaction in her heart.

At this moment, the students naturally split into two camps. One group was led by the four princes Yan Jingtian, Yan Nanhui, Yan Mobei, and Yan Moyan, along with the sisters Xiao Lan and Wu Yuyu, and Lin Yuxuan, making a total of seven people. Due to the large number of people, one carriage was clearly insufficient to accommodate everyone. Yan Jingtian waved his hand and said with great enthusiasm, "In that case, let's split into three carriages and head to the Spring Breeze Pavilion!" After he finished speaking, everyone responded and found their own carriages to go.

There were three carriages. Yan Jingtian, Yan Moyan, and Lin Yuxuan rode in the Crown Prince's carriage, Xiao Lan and Wu Yuyu rode in Xiao Lan's carriage, and finally Yan Mobei had no choice but to hitch a ride in Yan Nanhui's carriage.

As the group chatted and laughed all the way to the academy gate, Yan Mobei inadvertently caught sight of the carriages parked to the side. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he pointed to one of them, saying, "Miss Xiao, look, your carriage is so similar to my fifth brother's!" At his shout, everyone turned their attention to the two carriages.

After careful observation, everyone indeed discovered some clues. Normally, the carriage doors of the Great Xia Kingdom were either completely open without any covering, or, in some more refined households, a white partition would be added. However, Xiao Lan and Yan Nanhui's carriages were different; they both used complete carriage doors. Moreover, the doors were carefully wrapped in soft satin, only the colors differed slightly: Xiao Lan's were a vibrant, eye-catching red, while Yan Nanhui's were a deep, understated dark blue.

Looking at the boarding steps, conventionally they are placed near the shaft. However, Xiao Lan had a sudden inspiration, thinking this would take up space for the driver and be inconvenient. So, she had a brilliant idea—to install a pallet box at the rear of the carriage and place the steps directly at the back. Unexpectedly, this novel design caught Yan Nan Hui's eye, and he followed suit, making the same modification to his own carriage.

Thus, when the three carriages were parked side by side, Xiao Lan and Yan Nan's carriage, with its extra pallet box, looked like it had grown a "tail," making it particularly eye-catching.

Xiao Lan smiled and remained silent, thinking to herself, "I changed them all myself, how could they be different? If people saw them inside, apart from the colors, they wouldn't be able to tell which one was her carriage and which one was Yan Nan's carriage."

Yan Nan smiled slightly, calmly taking over what Yan Mobei had just said. A hint of cunning flashed in his bright, star-like eyes as he slowly said, "Miss Xiao and I live in the same courtyard, so we see each other all the time and our relationship is naturally quite close. A few days ago, I happened to see Miss Xiao's carriage pass by. The carriage was exquisitely modified, unique and ingenious, truly eye-catching. I couldn't help but admire her ingenuity, so I thought I'd borrow a few ideas. This way, I could make my travels more convenient and comfortable, and also slightly imitate Miss Xiao's elegant taste. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds? Is there anything wrong with doing this, that it would seem strange?" After saying this, he shrugged slightly, his face showing an innocent yet slightly puzzled expression. "Not strange? Hmm... it's not that strange, but it is indeed quite special!" Yan Mobei thought to himself. After all, he would have to hitch a ride with Yan Nanhui to their destination later, and he dared not say anything out of turn. If he angered that unruly Yan Nanhui and he was refused a ride, it would be a huge problem. Moreover, even if he could ask His Highness the Crown Prince for a ride, there probably wouldn't be enough room for him in the carriage. So, he absolutely couldn't walk to Chunfeng Tower. Thinking of this, Yan Mobei quickly put on a flattering smile and said, "This Miss Xiao is not only beautiful as a flower, but also has a first-rate level of scholarship and innovation! It's truly admirable!" As soon as he finished speaking, he gave Xiao Lan a thumbs up to express his sincere praise and admiration. Xiao Lan smiled and said, "Sixth Prince, you flatter me. I just like to be lazy, so I changed. It's nothing."

Yan Jingtian, seeing that Lao Liu was trying to get along with Xiao Lan and Wu Yuyu, still couldn't figure out what Yan Mobei was up to. So he waved his hand and said, "Get in the carriage, or the chef will be done for the day." He then boarded the carriage first, followed closely by Lin Yuxuan and Yan Moyan.

Xiao Lan replied to Yan Nan, and Yan Mobei waved his hand and said, "Your Highnesses, I will also board the carriage." With that, he led Wu Yuyu into his red carriage.

Yan Nan glanced back at Yan Mobei and said helplessly, "Let's go." He also boarded his blue carriage. After Yan Mobei got in, the three carriages slowly headed towards Chunfeng Tower.

Inside Yan Nan Hui's carriage, Yan Mo Bei looked at Yan Nan Hui's carriage with jealousy in his eyes. Yan Nan Hui glanced at Yan Mo Bei, but did not say anything and closed his eyes to rest.

On Xiao Lan's side, Wu Yuyu said, "Sister, is what that man surnamed Ye said today true? Is your grandfather really going to marry you off to the Ye family?" Although Wu Yuyu was young, she had witnessed the power struggles between Jiang Xiuzhi and Chen Shi in the General's Mansion over the past few years. Since Wu De had no legitimate son, he favored Chen Shi's son, so she was somewhat biased. Ever since Wu Yuyu was old enough to understand, she had often seen her mother secretly weeping, so she was quite averse to domineering men. Today, Ye Yuandong, in front of everyone, showed no intention of giving Xiao Lan any face.

"Old Marquis Xiao can't make this decision for me. Besides, it was Consort Ru who agreed to the marriage with the Ye family. Let Consort Ru's granddaughter marry him then." Xiao Lan was seething with anger today, but now, thinking about it carefully, she realized that Madam Jin didn't have any unmarried women of marriageable age. However, she did have a granddaughter who was already married. If that didn't work, she could let that granddaughter marry Ye Yuandong. With this in mind, Xiao Lan noted it down, planning to include it in her letter to Jiang Nihuang that evening. Furthermore, although several princes had spoken up for her today, condemning Ye Yuandong, he had mentioned Madam Jin's agreement to the Ye family's marriage proposal in front of so many people. If she didn't find a solution, the Ye family might use this against her later, ultimately succeeding in their scheme and forcing her to marry into the Ye family. Therefore, she needed to find a way to resolve this matter once and for all.

Xiao Lan said to Wu Yuyu, "After dinner, the Fifth Prince and I will go to Wutong Residence. You take my carriage back to the General's Mansion and tell your aunt that there is an emergency and she should come to Wutong Residence." After saying that, she whispered, "Remember not to let anyone else know."

Wu Yuyu knew that her sister probably had something to discuss with their mother, so she said, "I understand, don't worry, sister."

The three carriages traveled for the time it takes to burn two incense sticks before arriving at Chunfeng Tower. After everyone disembarked, the innkeeper greeted them with a bow, saying, "Your Highness the Crown Prince and the princes have arrived. I am so sorry for not welcoming you sooner."

"No need for formalities, innkeeper. My brothers and I are just here for a casual meal, so please don't be too reserved. Prepare a private room for us." Yan Jingtian said, looking at Xiao Lan. "I remember that Miss Xiao grew up in Xiwu Prefecture, so she should like spicy food. How about I have the chef here prepare some Xiwu Prefecture delicacies to ease Miss Xiao's homesickness?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lan immediately bowed and replied to Yan Jingtian: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. However, although I grew up in Xiwu Prefecture, I am not very good at eating spicy food."

"Oh, then I wonder what you like to eat? I'd like to order something for you." Yan Jingtian wasn't annoyed by the rejection and continued to act good-natured.

"No need, just serve Miss Xiao her usual dishes as usual," Yan Nanhui suddenly interjected, then said to Xiao Lan, "Let's go, I ordered your favorite dishes, try them later."

Seeing Yan Jingtian's expression change, Xiao Lan quickly pulled Yan Nan back and said to the crowd, "Fifth Prince, you're always so kind to your friends. Let's go, my sister said she was hungry on the way." She then glanced at Wu Yuyu. Wu Yuyu immediately understood, "Yes, Your Highnesses, I'm young and get hungry quickly, let's go inside quickly." With that, Wu Yuyu pulled Xiao Lan into the private room.